The demands of physical activity, such as taking part in sport, helps us develop our overall physical capabilities, self-confidence, teamwork skills, and leadership abilities.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Sports Awards Ceremony, held this year on November 28, 2019 at the Canadian War Museum, honoured athletic excellence in the Canadian military. Athletes, coaches, teams, and officials, both serving and retired, were recognized for their outstanding athletic performances or remarkable contributions to sport. Among those recognized were Able Seaman Yvette Yong, Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) International Athlete of the Year and Military World Games medalist, and Corporal (Retired) Dominic Larocque, this year’s Hall of Fame inductee.

The new Unconquered Award was presented to Master Corporal (Retired) Michael Trauner, who faced an uphill battle to adjust to his “new normal” after sustaining catastrophic injuries while deployed to Afghanistan in 2008. Michael started to train and earned a spot on the Soldier On-led Team Canada for the Invictus Games Toronto 2017, winning a gold medal in indoor rowing. Michael has continued to train and work hard, and has become an excellent ambassador for the injured and ill community. His sights are now set on representing Canada once again at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. His journey epitomizes inspiration, perseverance, and a warrior spirit to conquer adversity.

“Sport produces Canadian Armed Forces members who lead by example and are strong team players. When I meet CAF members who have risen to the top of their game, I see soldiers who can leverage a hunger for success on the playing field into a hunger for success on the battlefield,” said General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff.

For a full list of those honoured and nominated, along with photos from the ceremony, please visit www.cafsportsawardsceremony.ca. Images from the ceremony can also be viewed at https://www.flickr.com/photos/cafsportsawards.

As members of an armed force where readiness is paramount to operational success, physical fitness is a component of a military lifestyle that should never be overlooked. Not only does it contribute to the prevention and treatment of injury, physical fitness plays a major role in overall health and wellbeing. It is for this reason that sport is such an integral part of the military.

Personnel Support Programs, a division of Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, develops and delivers leading edge occupational fitness, sports, and wellness programs and services to the CAF.